Does this scenario sound familiar? As you prepare to go to bed, you realize that in the chaos of work, errands and playing with the kids, you haven’t spent time in prayer all day. You’re tired, it’s late, and you feel guilty for neglecting God. So rather than rest your weary eyes, you take a moment and pray something like this: “Dear Lord, thank You for the blessings and all You’re doing in my life. Please watch over my friends and family. Bless them and take care of them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Ask yourself, When I pray, do I mention specific needs, or are my petitions to God general and vague? James 5:16 says, “The effective prayer of a righteous man (or woman) can accomplish much.” Noah Webster defines the word effective as in a condition to produce desired result; efficient; powerful, especially bringing about the result wanted. You might wonder what it means to pray effectively. This involves speaking to the Lord with passion and emotion, cutting right to the heart of the matter. Simply put an effective prayer involves specifics. When you see a homeless mother and child, pray for those very people. When you read about a recent tragedy, pray for a particular person involved. Such petitions are powerful because, as James teaches, effective prayer reaches God.

But notice that the verses also mentions, righteousness, which begins at salvation (2 Corinthians 5:21)—in God’s eyes all believers are righteous because Jesus’ death fully paid their sin-debt. Conduct is also a factor. Trusting Christ as Savior results in a brand-new nature and total cleansing from sin. Yet because our old flesh patterns remain, we will have lapses of obedience (John 13:10a). At such times, the Lord will not hear our prayers (Psalm 66:18). However, He has provided the way for our fellowship with Him to be restored: when we confess wrongdoing, he purifies us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).

The prayer of just one person—a single person in a world of billions—can release the supernatural power of God. Take some time to consider your prayer life and commit to enhancing your time alone with the Lord.

Ask yourself these questions: How can I apply James 5:16 to my time with the Lord? Are my prayers specific or vague? Explain. Who in my life would benefit from my prayers?